Objective: To investigate psychological distress, quality of life, and satisfaction with medical support of patients with COPD and their spouses.
Method: Questionnaires concerning psychological distress and quality of life were sent by mail to 97 patients and 54 spouses (43 couples).
Results: We found increased scores of anxiety and depression. In terms of quality of life the patients reported significantly lower scores than their spouses. Patients as well as their spouses reported a high satisfaction about the given medical support.
Conclusion: Spouses of COPD patients are at increased risk for psychiatric morbidity und should therefore be included regularly in care programs.